Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born and raised in the Chicago area, I write mysteries featuring Chicago private detective Jeffrey Sparks. Sparks is blunt, to-the-point, sarcastic, and a narcissist in denial. He’s also incredibly determined and has a great ability to piece together pieces of a puzzle. His biggest fear is Not Knowing, so he goes to incredible lengths to figure out the answer.
I have several Sparks short stories published (including an ebook, “The Shapiro Affair”) and I’m currently working on a Sparks novel.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest short story eBook, “The Shapiro Affair” was inspired mostly by the question “What if?” I take out my annoyances and frustrations in a unique way. Instead of yelling and losing my temper, I quietly think about how I would get revenge on that person. I don’t act on it, of course, but the ideas make for interesting stories. “The Shapiro Affair” was born out of that train of thought.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’ve read many times that writers need to revise over and over. I don’t necessarily do that. First, I tend to focus one scene at a time, making sure that scene is good before I move on. Second, I tend to revise as I go through the process of writing a story, instead of writing a complete first draft and revising from there. It probably makes the first draft completion longer than others, but my first draft is, I think, closer to the final product as a result.
I’ve also read many times that writing is very individualistic. This way may not work for all, or most, but it works for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
When I was younger, I loved Edgar Allan Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Kurt Vonnegut. More recently, I find Sue Grafton’s alphabet mysteries to be profoundly inspirational.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a murder mystery featuring my Chicago private detective Jeffrey Sparks. I don’t want to give too much away, but it was inspired by recent events and a quote by Susan B. Anthony: “I distrust those people who know so well what God wants them to do, because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.” It involves the danger that can happen as a result of ignorance and intolerance.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The short answer is get your book out as much as possible. People won’t read what they don’t know is available. Blogs, message boards, etc. Of course, friends and family also help spread the word. I know we’re in the 21st Century, but I’m philosophically opposed to social media, so I’m probably missing some opportunity there.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be patient! Like any other job, writing takes time to get good at. A cashier can’t expect to be as fast on their first day on the job as a ten-year veteran; a writer shouldn’t expect to be good, or even punishable, when they first start. Write a lot, and read a lot, and build up the skills.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read a lot. Once you decide what you want to write (i.e. genre), read as much as you can in the same category. Notice what writing you like, and why, and what writing you hate, and why. You’ll soon find yourself developing your own voice.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading the Backstrom books by Leif G.W. Persson. Backstrom is definitely an anti-hero, and characters like that appeal to me.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More Jeffrey Sparks stories. I like this character so much, I can’t see myself writing a story that doesn’t have him as the main character.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Slaughterhouse Five (Vonnegut), Welcome to the Monkey House (Vonnegut again), and A is for Alibi (Grafton).
Author Websites and Profiles
C.E. Newsom Website
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